Region improves accessibility

Parkwood Estate: part one

Regional council has approved the Regional Municipality of Durham’s 2017 Accessibility Report.

The region “has been reporting on accessibility and the identification, removal and prevention of barriers throughout its departments and services” since an accessibility plan was first implemented in 2003 according to a press release from the region.

Several projects were completed in 2017, such as a new mobile website for Durham that was launched after extensive community consultation and development. It also features accessibility improvements that include clearer print, writing and accessible design standards.

Another project was the development and launch of the “Age-Friendly Durham Strategy and Action Plan,” that was meant to support residents better as they age.

A new Income Support Office location was also opened at 200 John Street, and was designed with accessibility in mind.

Eighteen traffic control signal locations were also retrofitted so that they included accessible pedestrian signals, sidewalk improvements, better crosswalk alignment and the installation of tactile plates.

The region also completed a project that “continued accessibility improvements in renovations to the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation portfolio,” reads the press release.

Provincial legislation states that the region must have an annual status report prepared that details the progress of measures taken to implement an accessibility strategy.

There must also be a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines what the region plans to do in regards to improving accessibility and meeting the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements.